Have never set up an Outlook Express account...been getting by with a Hotmail one...but have noticed that I can't reply to Outlook accounts & recently realized that I can't send any Zipped files to ANYONE. Do I really have to have an Outlook account or is there a way to do everything without it??

Still Learning...Thanks In AdvanceWell, first, please state exactly which email client you're talking about. You've said both Outlook Express and Outlook. They are two different programs.

Are you asking your question here because you can't reply from your hotmail account to someone who used "Outlook" to send you a message? Is that what you're saying?Sorry, meant Outlook Express. Have had instances where I go to respond to an ad & an Outlook Express window opens...and Hotmail will not let me ANSWER it. Is there a way to do so or do I have to have an Outlook Express account of my own? Also I can't seem to send Zip files with Hotmail...when I go to send them - Outlook Express opens up again. Hope I am making sense this time. Thanks.When you use a mail link from a web page or the right click menu option 'Send to -> Mail Recipient', it uses your computer's default mail program, in your case, Outlook Express.

To use Outlook Express, you'll need something like a POP3 account, available from many web mail places as well as most ISPs. Check with your ISP to see if they provide you with a free POP3 mail account.

Hotmail offers POP3 access to your Hotmail account (so you can use it with Outlook and other POP3 mail programs) but you have to pay for it, because doing so allows you to skip their ads.

GMAIL offers this service for free (www.gmail.com) as does Hotpop (www.hotpop.com).

Gmail (if I remember right) also offers a download that will automatically configure your Outlook Express or Office Outlook for you, if you don't know how.

As far as I know, there is no way to DIRECTLY send attachments to Hotmail without first logging into Hotmail through the browser.

I use Gmail myself, because it allows me to use Outlook from HOME, and I can still check my mail through any browser when I'm away from home.